Govt pumps $80M into improving water services in Reg 7 villages
Approximately $80 million will be invested for the drilling of two wells in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to improve the water services in that region as the Housing and Water Ministry aims to achieve 95 per cent hinterland water coverage.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who handed over the first contract in the community of Jawalla, stated that development would bring first-time access to hundreds of households.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal hands over the contract for the well at Jawalla to Toshao Verrom Henry as other village councillors and GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailall (second right) look on
“Delivery of safe water to communities is a priority for the PPP/C Government, to enhance the livelihood of Guyanese, irrespective of their geographical location,” Croal added.
He further stated that “we want to assure you that we’re at work and there is currently 80 per cent coverage across the hinterland, despite geographical challenges” .
Meanwhile, in the community of Kamarang, the Minister said, during needs assessments for Budget 2021, it was discovered that the area had no means of accessing potable water.
Minister Croal hands over the contract for the well at Kamarang to Toshao Lemmel Thomas in the presence of other Village Councillors and Member of Parliament Allister Charlie (left)
Through this intervention 90 per cent of the community will now have access to potable water, including Government buildings. The contracts were handed over to the Toshaos in the presence of Member of Parliament and the geographical representative, Allister Charlie; Guyana Water Inc’s Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall; regional representatives and residents.
Jailall explained that the scope of works in Jawalla includes the drilling of a $39.9 million well, and installation of 2000 metres of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes, and 1000 metres of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 80 service connections.
In Kamarang, a $42 million well will be drilled, with installation of 2500 metres of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes and 500 metres of 19mm (3/4”) pipes, with 50 services connections. Works at both locations will also comprise the construction of a 20-foot elevated metal trestle with four 450-gallon storage tanks and the installation of photovoltaic pumping systems, including submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories.
Drilling in Kamarang will begin in one week, after which the rig will move to Jawalla by mid-September, and works completed in October. A total of 3000 residents are expected to benefit from the projects.
The Minister stated that in 2022, a number of new wells will also be drilled to improve hinterland services, for a $350 million injection by the Ministry since August 2020.
Minister Croal also used the platform to push the Government’s agenda for herd immunity against COVID-19. Residents were also given an opportunity to raise a number of concerns in various sectors.
